THEY DIED FOR WHOSE FREEDOM? Memorial Day 2021 re-visited: A Celebration and A Dark Place

 May 31st 2021  Memorial Day  preface.


I was with my friends the Chrismans for a Memorial Day Lunch.  It was a bit more than that!  Donna C thought that we should have yet one more celebration of my May 26th birthday.  And so we did, with the "traditional" hot dogs and hamburgers, lovingly prepared by Ashley L.  As we sat down for lunch I requested a privilege - which was granted.  We sat at table,  but before eating we kept a minute of silence and remembered the war dead, and their bereaved families,  It was the very least we could do on this day of mourning.

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 May 31st 2021  Memorial Day a dark place.


"They died for our freedom" is a common place sentiment on Memorial Day.  It's so common place that it calls for critical examination.

Please take a moment to review this list of American wars.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wars_involving_the_United_States


Does this list surprise or shock you?   It should.

Then ask yourself the question.  Which of these wars were fought for our freedom?

Who are the our?

Certainly not the freedom of the indigenous and native tribes and nations who loved and cared for the lands we now call America (and Canada).

Certainly not the freedom of black people: the enslaved, and the descendants of the enslaved.  

Do you know the stories of Black WWI soldiers who fought in the American Army; and then were beaten up or lynched for the crime of wearing their uniforms in public.  

Do you know that Black combatants in WWII were denied the benefits of the G.I. bill in former Confederate States.

Note this.  When we toss off the sentiment that "they died for our freedom" we really mean that they died for the freedoms of White Americans.  

Certainly not for the freedom of Japanese Americans; Native Americans; and Black Americans. (And those Hispanic immigrants who were in this country without papers and were promised citizenship if they served in the Armed Forces.  They served.  The promise was hollow.  They were deported despite their service).








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